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Smash burgers are a quick and fun weekday meal. The idea is simple and so is the recipe. You can learn from me how to improve your grilling skills.

Looking for more burger inspiration, then check out my this tasty juicy lucy burger or my BBQ patty melt!

smash burger recipe

Ingredient List for Smash Burgers

Smash burger ingredients.
  • Ground beef: I used a ground chuck that was 80/20 lean to fat ratio is perfect for a smash burger. Adds just enough fattiness to make the burger extra juicy.
  • Cheese: American cheese is the perfect melting cheese on any burger.
  • Buns: a good potato roll bun is ideal.
  • Seasoning: I used my All Purpose seasoning to add flavor to the patties.
  • Condiments: A basic ketchup, mustard and pickle slices are perfect for this simple burger.

Step 1: Prep the beef patties.

burger patties.

They are called a smash burgers because part of the recipe is smashing the ball of ground beef on the griddle. I like to start with 80/20 ground beef blend. It give the burgers enough fat for a juicy bite. I roll the ground beef into bigger than golf ball size. Do not season the meat. That will happen once the patties are flattened on the griddle.

Dad’s Seasonings

Must have grillin seasonings!

Step 2: Time to grill the smash burgers

The ideal way to cook the smash burgers is on a flattop grill. If you don’t have that, you can also use a cast iron griddle. Either way, I recommend doing it outside. It will keep the mess out of your kitchen.

Start by getting the grill HOT. We want those burgers to have a nice crust and the only way to do that is to have a hot grill. While the grill is warming up, thinly slice 1 small yellow onion and set it aside.

smashing patties on griddle.

Put the balls of meat on the grill and using a spatula smash them down! Press down hard and quick. The ball will flatten out, making a smashed patty. Season the top with Dad’s All Purpose rub.

patties with melted cheese.

Grill the patty for about a minute or so, until the bottom has a nice crust. Using your spatula, flip the burger with the onions and cook the other side. The onions will cook with the meat for a tasty mix. Finally, place a slice of cheese on top of the patty. While this is cooking, take your brioche buns, butter them up and place right on the grill to toast up.

Step 3: Time to assemble the smash burgers

assembled burger.

Take your toasted buns, and put ketchup and mustard on the bottom one. Add two patties right on top of that, cheese onions and all, top with a couple slices of pickles and the top bun. And just like that, you have your simple and tasty smash burgers! Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the secret to a smash burger?

An ideal smash burger has a perfect crust giving it texture and maximum flavor.

How do I keep my smash burger patty from falling apart?

The key ingredient in the perfect smash burger is the meat. Using a higher fat ground beef like an 80/20 split will help keep it together in one piece when smashed.

4.50 from 4 votes

Smash Burgers

Tasty and easy to make, smash burgers are a no brainer. Follow my easy recipe to make cheesy burgers right at home.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb 80/20 Ground Beef
  • 4 Brioche buns
  • 8 Sliced cheese
  • 1 tbsp All purpose rub

Instructions 

  • Roll 8 equal sized balls from the ground beef
  • Place the balls of beef on a HOT flattop grill and using a spatula smash them flat
  • Season the top of the smashed patties with salt and pepper
  • Add some sliced onion right on top of the patty
  • Grill until the bottom has a nice crust and then flip it over, cook an additional 1-2 minutes
  • Add a slice of cheese on top of each patty
  • Butter up the brioche buns and place alongside the patties on the grill to toast up
  • To assemble the burgers, put mustard and ketchup on the bottom bun, add 2 patties with cheese and onions, top with a few pickle slices and the top bun

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef to add flavor.
American cheese works best on smash burgers, but you can also use a sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
Season the patties once they have been flattened on the griddle.

Nutrition

Calories: 793kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1099IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 408mg | Iron: 4mg
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Check out the Recipe for other tasty dishes.

About Maciek

I make easy meals that anyone can replicate at home. I’m not a professionally trained chef, just your average guy that likes to fire up the grill. So follow along and see what’s cooking today!

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4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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